The State Conservation Commission will begin accepting applications for the next round of Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credits beginning August 3. The guidelines and application forms will be posted on the REAP webpage beginning June 8. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Any applications with a postmark prior to July 30 will be returned.All applicants who applied in the previous fiscal year funding round, but were not approved because the REAP credits were exhausted, will once again be mailed a short “Addendum Application.” These applicants will not be given any priority in the first-come, first-served process, however, and must submit this application along with the other new applicants.Mary Bender, Director of the REAP Program, will be hosting a Webinar during the week of June 8-12 to review the new application, and answer questions regarding the guidelines and application process. Stay tuned for an email which will provide the exact time and date of the Webinar and the login procedure. At this point in the budget process, it is not yet certain whether the REAP Tax Credit Program will be kept at the existing $10 million level or changed.Last year, the Commission received enough applications to use up the entire $10 million appropriation in the first few hours of the first day applications were accepted. (Pa Environment Digest 8/11/08)For more information, visit the REAP Program webpage or contact Mary Bender at 717-787-8821 or by sending email to: mabender@state.pa.us.Link: REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Benefits Environment, FarmersDEP Will Bring No New Financial Resources To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay

Snakes and salamanders, wildlife and watersheds, and brownfields with a green future comprise the five area environmental programs that have been named as the winners of the 2009 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, announced Wednesday by Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.These five programs address a wide range of local and regional environmental issues, including land and watershed conservation, wildlife protection and brownfield development and were chosen from entries submitted earlier this year. They include a student-run conservation group working to raise awareness of the environmental threat to reptiles; community initiatives to preserve and protect two major watersheds in Cambria and Indiana counties; the redevelopment of downtown Ambridge, which had been in decay after the decline of the steel industry; and a remarkable program that teaches private landowners the importance of creating wildlife sanctuaries.With these awards, each winner will designate a $5000 cash prize to be used in support of a nonprofit environmental program of their choice. The winners are:-- Bartramian Audubon Society Sanctuaries Program- Slippery Rock-- Northern Ambridge Redevelopment Project - New Brighton-- Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project - Johnstown -- TASOW, Inc. (The Awesome Spirit of Wildlife) - Slippery Rock-- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Conservation Program - BlairsvilleAdditionally, Linda McKenna Boxx, the president of the Allegheny Trail Alliance and the driving force behind the creation of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile trail connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland., received the lifetime achievement award. (Click here for full announcement)

The White House this week announced Pittsburgh's David L. Lawrence Convention Center will be the site for the world G20 economic summit in September.In announcing the selection of Pittsburgh, the White House pointed to the city's "commitment to employing new and green technology to further economic recovery and development." Officials noted that the David L. Lawrence Convention Center holds LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and is the largest convention center in the world to earn that distinction."Pittsburgh has a lot of which it can be very proud and the G20 Summit offers a great opportunity to showcase how Pittsburgh has reinvented itself while creating new opportunities for its residents," Gov. Rendell said. "I'm honored that a Pennsylvania city has been selected to host this important meeting of the world's economic superpowers. Any doubts that Pittsburgh is a world class city with a bright future should be erased by this choice."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Upper Delaware Council is now accepting applications for its 2009 Technical Assistance Grants program. Applications are due July 3.Since the non-profit organization’s inception in 1988, the UDC has awarded $639,692 to help subsidize 180 non-construction projects related to implementation of the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.Eligible to participate are the UDC’s eight New York town members, five Pennsylvania township members, and their encompassing counties. Buckingham and Manchester Townships in Wayne County, PA could also apply if they joined the Council. (click here for more information)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Applications are being accepted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for grants to protect Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat. Applications are due June 30.For more than 25 years the Wild Resource Conservation Program has helped to protect Pennsylvania's native biodiversity by supporting research, conservation, and education projects.This year WRCP is soliciting grant applications in five areas: effects of climate change on biodiversity; Internet-based educational tools; wildlife protection plan priorities; wild plant management; and general biodiversity projects.For more information, visit the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage. Questions on the grants program can be directed to Greg Czarnecki at 717-783-1639.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Department of Agriculture this week released an annual report on the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credit program which said in the first two years, the program reduced nitrogen pollution by 162,176 pounds, phosphorus runoff by 14,939 pounds and sediment by 18,210 tons.“Every Pennsylvanian is charged with adopting conservation practices to protect our soils and our water supply…The state’s 63,000 farm families have a special responsibility to be good stewards of the land, keeping their agricultural operations and the industry viable for the next generation," Gov. Rendell. "The REAP program’s success proves our farmers’ commitment to fulfilling these important ideals.” Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said, “Pennsylvania is committed to helping farmers maintain viable businesses, and toimproving conservation practices that protect water quality . . . Farmers need support in this time of rising production and energy costs, and programs like REAP provide a win-win situation for everyone.”“The tremendous response to REAP demonstrates that farmers continue to make strides in protecting water quality on their farms, but need help to go even farther," said Matthew Ehrhart, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "REAP is a practical solution that is helping farmers achieve the highest levels of stewardship while making those improvements economically feasible.” “The Department of Revenue knows how important agriculture is to the commonwealth’s economy, which is why we are pleased to play a part in implementing the Resource Enhancement and Protection Tax Credit program," said Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler. "We will continue to work diligently with the State Conservation Commission to process credit applications in a manner that ensures farmers and businesses benefit from this worthwhile program.” (Click here for report)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

A study completed by international environmental engineering and consulting firm Tetra Tech, Inc. on behalf of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of PA found natural gas development was only a minor contributor to elevated levels of Total Dissolved Solids in the Monongahela River last fall.Tetra Tech found that the primary TDS load in the Monongahela River came from abandoned mine discharge, which was realized in high sulfate concentrations. Drilling activity accounted for approximately seven percent of the total TDS concentrations detected in the Monongahela River in October 2008 and decreased to less than one percent by December 2008. Increases in river flow rates and reductions in discharges from abandoned mines appear to be the most significant factors that contributed to the reductions in TDS concentrations between October and December 2008. Changes in TDS levels associated with restricting the discharges of drilling wastewater at municipal wastewater treatment plants along the Monongahela River were negligible compared to these other factors. (Click here for full report.)

The team from Penncrest High School in Delaware County is the winner of the 2009 Pennsylvania State Envirothon held May 19 at Bald Eagle State Park, in Howard, Centre County. High school students from 65 Pennsylvania counties participated in this year’s event. Second place finishers were members of the Future Hope Homelearners of Snyder County and the team from Warren Area High School, Warren County, finished third. (Click here for full announcement.)

Delaware River Basin Commission Executive Director Carol R. Collier announced she has issued a determination notifying natural gas extraction project sponsors that they may not commence any natural gas extraction project located in shale formations within the drainage area of the basin’s Special Protection Waters without first applying for and obtaining commission approval.“This determination explains DRBC regulatory requirements on an interim basis and asserts commission review over all aspects of natural gas extraction projects in shale formations within the drainage area of the basin’s Special Protection Waters, regardless of the amount of water withdrawn or the capacity of domestic sewage treatment facilities accepting fracking wastewater,” Collier said. “The commissioners intend to adopt regulations pertaining to the subject matter contained in this determination after public notice and a full opportunity for public comment, but this rulemaking process can be lengthy. In the meantime, DRBC will apply this determination in combination with its existing regulations.”In taking this action, Collier considered and determined that as a result of water withdrawals, wastewater disposal, and other activities, natural gas extraction projects in shale formations may individually or cumulatively affect the water quality of Special Protection Waters by altering their physical, biological, chemical or hydrological characteristics. (Click here for full announcement)

The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it is now accepting applications for watershed protection and restoration as well as flood protection grants under the Growing Greener Program. Applications are due July 17. (formal notice)For the upcoming grant round, the Department will invest in projects that will ultimately protect and/or restore this Commonwealth's watersheds from impairment due to nonpoint source pollution. Through the same application process, applicants can also apply for funding through the Department's Flood Protection Grant Program and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant. Flood protection grants are for communities that operate and maintain State and Federal flood protection projects.Applications and guidelines will be available online at the Growing Greener webpage or send email to: GrowingGreener@state.pa.us or contact the Growing Greener Grant Center at 717-705-5400.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced today it will be accepting applications for the PA Sunshine Program which will provide $100 million in rebates to homeowners and small businesses installing solar photovoltaic and hot water systems.The Department will publish the guidelines and begin accepting applications on May 18. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. (formal notice)An eligible residential applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident and the owner of the home where the project will be installed. All residential projects must be completed on the homeowner's primary residence. Small business applicants must be a for-profit business located within this Commonwealth. To qualify for small business funding, the applicant must be a separate legal entity with no more than 100 full time employees.The program rebates will be available for the purchase and installation of qualifying solar PV and solar hot water equipment by qualified installers. Only projects completed after the program opening date of May 18, 2009, will be eligible.The program guidelines will be available on the program's webpage. Applications must be submitted online at www.pasunshine.powerclerk.com.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

In response to a press release today from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the Senate Republican budget passed last week, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) wrote to ask Acting Secretary John Quigley whether he would considering using $7 million from Marcellus Shale lease revenues the agency still has to close DCNR's budget gap.She also noted DCNR failed to close two leases worth $31 million for Marcellus Shale drilling that were already let.Sen. White also said the Republican budget appropriated the same amount of funding the Governor did for gypsy moth spraying in the current year and implemented the Governor's proposal to eliminate the Heritage Parks grant program.Sen. White serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. (click here for a copy of the letter)

Unlike the states of Maryland and Virginia, Pennsylvania has not made a commitment to bring new financial resources to cleanup watersheds feeding into the Chesapeake Bay in the wake of President Obama's Executive Order this week renewing the federal commitment to water quality improvement in the Bay.In an announcement today, DEP Secretary John Hanger cataloged the efforts made by the Commonwealth to date. (click here for the announcement)In concert with the President's announcement, the Executive Council announced a series of two-year milestones for reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that cause murky water and algae blooms that block sunlight from reaching bay grasses and dramatically reduce oxygen levels for aquatic life.In Pennsylvania, the cost of complying with the nutrient and sediment reduction requirements for Chesapeake Bay cleanup is over $2 billion-- $1.4 billion for wastewater treatment plants, according to a Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report and over $650 million for agriculture, according to the Department of Environmental Protection."Pennsylvania has taken a leadership role in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since the signing of the original Chesapeake Bay Agreement in 1983," Secretary Hanger said. "All of the steps we have taken in the past to reduce the pollution entering the bay from Pennsylvania, and the steps we will take in the next few years, are putting Pennsylvania in a good position to comply with the EPA's forthcoming TMDL for the entire watershed and to keep our commitment to do our part to restore the Chesapeake Bay."Pennsylvania is responsible for 50 percent of the fresh water entering the Chesapeake By through the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary John Quigley said the budget adopted by Senate Republicans would force the agency to close at least 35 state parks and 1,000 miles of state forest roads, which would sharply reduce access for anglers, hunters and hikers.Under Senate Bill 850, an additional $19 million would be cut from DCNR's budget beyond the difficult but prudent reductions Governor Edward G. Rendell proposed in February which itself cut $6.9 million from the proposed 2009-10 budget."Families that cannot afford to take a vacation because of the tough economic times could always count on enjoying a little rest and relaxation at a nearby state park or forest," said Acting Secretary Quigley. "However, if the Senate's budget proposal is enacted, there would be even fewer of those opportunities as we would have to close a number of state parks. That means less traffic and fewer dollars being spent in the rural communities with businesses and jobs that count on these parks and forests."The Senate's proposal would be absolutely devastating to these rural areas and to our efforts to preserve our natural resources for present and future generations. In contrast, the Governor's budget proposal reflects the difficult economy we now face and would still allow us to provide a quality outdoor experience for our citizens and visitors," said Acting Secretary Quigley, also noting that closing 35 state parks would turn away more than 3 million visitors and wipe out at least $57 million in visitor spending on products and services in nearby communities. (click here for full announcement.)

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, responded to the May 12 press release issued by DEP on the Senate Republican budget proposal calling the statement "outrageous and insulting.""While the Senate-passed budget contains many difficult funding reductions, it is a plan that requires DEP and other state agencies to do what Pennsylvania families and businesses across the state do on a daily basis: live within their means," said Sen. White. "It transfers $100 million from legislative accounts to help fund state programs, including those within DEP, and reduces funding for the legislature by 10%. This builds upon the $18 million transferred from caucus accounts to fund DEP’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program after the Governor defunded the program."Sen. White responded to each of the items DEP Secretary Hanger said were cut. (click here for the full response)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

President Barack Obama signed an executive order today creating a Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay to be chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency. The executive order calls for EPA and six other federal agencies to coordinate and expand federal tools and resources to help speed cleanup of the nation’s largest estuary. At a meeting today of the Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council at Mount Vernon, Virginia, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson presented the executive order, which creates the Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay. The committee will be chaired by EPA and will manage new plans by a team of seven federal agencies to strengthen and bring accountability to efforts to protect and restore the bay. In addition to the executive order, Administrator Jackson announced that EPA’s renewed commitment to bay restoration will include a bay-wide set of strict pollution caps backed by state action plans and federal consequences to assure progress; sharp reductions in air pollutants that impact the bay; robust use of existing authorities; key funding support, and unrivaled scientific and technical assistance. “This executive order is a strong signal of the President’s commitment to restoring this national treasure, which is so vital to the environment, the local economies, and the way of life for millions of people,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We are bringing the full weight of this partnership to bear on this challenge, and I am extraordinarily hopeful about what we can accomplish working together.” (Click here for full EPA announcement)Chesapeake Bay Foundation President Will Baker issued this statement at the announcement--"This is good news. It is the first step in what CBF has been encouraging the federal government to do. We also have Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to thank. He has encouraged the President and met with Administrator Jackson as well." At today's meeting, the states released various commitments that they will be held accountable to achieve in the next two years. While the two-year time horizon is exactly what we've been calling for, the "milestones" were overly cautious."

Pennsylvania’s communities face the prospect of dirtier water, higher electricity bills, weakened flood protection, and swarms of biting insects that could potentially carry the deadly West Nile virus under a budget bill proposed and adopted by the Senate Republicans.Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said the caucus’ planned $50 million in additional cuts to his department’s budget would have long-term, negative consequences for the state’s natural resources, public health, and economic viability.“The Senate Republican plan removes funds that help keep sewage out of the land and water, that help our river basin commissions monitor potentially dangerous activities throughout the state, and that fight potentially deadly mosquitoes that could carry the West Nile virus and the bothersome black flies that are such a nuisance each summer,” said Secretary Hanger. “They also cut much-needed funds that help communities protect themselves against floods and that will make it easier for consumers to avoid higher energy costs by installing insulation and windows or by purchasing more energy efficient appliances.”In this difficult economy, Secretary Hanger acknowledged the budget proposed by Gov. Rendell already proposed $19 million in difficult, but necessary, cuts to the department’s budget. Those reductions, he said , would minimize the risk to Pennsylvania’s prosperity and progress. (click here for full DEP comments) (click here for Senate GOP budget overview.)

Ten finalists have been selected out of nearly 2,000 essay submissions as part of a search for the most environmentally-friendly school in the United States, including one Pennsylvania school - Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, Pittsburgh, Pa.America now has one week to read the essays and vote at America's Greenest School website for its pick to win the title of America's Greenest School. Votes are limited to one per e-mail address per day from May 11-17.The winning school will receive a plug-in hybrid school bus from IC Bus, which can increase the fuel efficiency of standard school buses by up to 65 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 percent. The hybrid bus has an estimated retail value of $200,000. The student who submitted the winning essay will win a $5,000 scholarship.Those who cast a vote are eligible to receive a $200 gift card to www.GreenAndMore.com, a website for eco friendly products. Three gift cards will be given away each day of voting.

The 2009 Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Conference will be held on August 11-12 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The theme this year is Complicating Factors In Invasive Plant Management Circumstances Beyond Our Control.The keynote speaker will be Dr. Cynthia Huebner, Research Botanist/Ecologist at the U.S.D.A. Forest Service presenting on the ecological thresholds, complexities and stressors behind invasive plant establishment and spread.Download the Conference brochure. The full slate of presentations and activities and to register, visit the Conference website.

The Ohio River Watershed Celebration will be held on September 24 starting from Pittsburgh's Gateway Clipper dock.Last year about 950 adults and students, along with 70 groups, participated in the Celebration which for the first time featured two boats, one for students with educational programs and activities and another for adults to network, take advantage of presentations and displays.This year the theme for the Celebration will be Energy Efficiency and Watershed Connections and will again feature two boats.Registration will open May 18 through the Stream Restoration, Inc. website.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Senate Republicans today proposed their own version of the 2009-10 budget which cuts another $77.9 million from environmental spending on top of the $77 million Gov. Rendell cut in his own proposal in February. (PA Environment Digest 2/9/09)The additional environmental cuts were to the departments of Agriculture ($8.9 million), Conservation and Natural Resources ($19.1 million) and Environmental Protection ($49.4 million).While the impact on the agencies cannot be detailed at this time, most of the cuts were proposed to line items paying for agency staff.Senate Republicans also called for a $250 million "suspension" of tax credit programs, however, they did not specify which of the $324.6 million in tax credits would be cut. The $10 million REAP farm conservation tax credit remains in danger as a result. (click here for Senate R budget spreadsheet, click here for Senate R Budget Summary)Senate GOP May Cut Film Office To Balance Budget

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About Me

This Blog is a companion to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com, the weekly online newsletter published by Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA.
I can be contacted at 717-576-0420 or by sending email to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
I served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2001 to 2003, Executive Deputy at DEP from 1995 to 2001, as staff to the PA Senate Environmental Committee and various positions in the former Department of Environmental Resources, working on environmental issues for over 40 years.